The core of dressage riding relies on invisible, harmonious communication between the rider’s aids and the horse’s body. These synchronized and fluid rhythms are reflected in the creative process of emerging designer Christopher Markquart – who has translated the equine sport into the delicate art of garment construction, tailoring and leatherwork.

Markquart, a Chippewa Valley-born designer and 2026 graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York City, became one of two dozen emerging designers from his class to showcase their work in the school’s annual BFA runway this spring and appear in Vogue magazine.

RIDE WITH STYLE. Christopher Markquart, a Chippewa Valley-born designer and 2026 graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York City, draws from the art of dressage riding in his latest collection, "The Dressage Habit." New York-based models pictured, from left to right: Riley Woodell, Alyssa Nix and Fangyuan Da. (Photo by Eliza Porter Photography)

Yet, his story and latest collection, “The Dressage Habit,” extends beyond the concrete jungle of New York – and to the quiet pastures of the Chippewa Valley. Those familiar landscapes are where Markquart and his family grew up riding horses, watching mother Michelle Markquart train and compete in dressage riding.

“I was really taking interest in different relationships; relationships between not only myself and my family, but also thinking about how relationships can transcend certain barriers that maybe the everyday person doesn’t think of,” Christopher said.

Christopher Markquart, pictured above. (Submitted photo)

Through the observation of his mother’s deep-seated connection with her equine partners, Christopher’s garments are rooted in a design ethos which mirrors that of dressage: rigorous attention to detail, deliberate movement, avant-garde silhouettes and unconventional material exploration.

“I wanted to have a part of my collection defer from the human form, because it's meant to be this coming together of these two species,” he added.

Throughout the years-long development of those clothing pieces at Parsons, Christopher incorporates several specific elements of the equestrian sport to his collection. A leather vest features cuts, shapes and forms that remain highly representative of the sport’s angular movements; he referenced many details of his mother’s own saddle and show clothes to achieve these designs.

Black pants, while clean and polished from afar, feature a subtle bump-out behind the knee designed to mimic the hock (back leg) of a horse. 

One shirt in the collection features a handmade drawing by Christopher, depicting the exact movement of a horse being under saddle. Its intention is to “open the door” for viewers unfamiliar with riding track references.

Through intricate tailoring, line drawings and hand appliqués – skillsets Christopher noted stem from his early days in the Chippewa Valley working at the local David’s Bridal – he captures the arch of the neck and the movement of the legs when a horse is being ridden in good form.

“I found myself drawn to definitely a lot more natural materials: silks, wool, cotton, leather,” Christopher said. “For my collection I have one dress that has real horse hair on it.”

“I do want to try to be as ethical as possible when sourcing my materials,” Christopher added. “I think that a lot of my colleagues have inspired me to want to be more involved in the fashion industry that way and making conscious choices.”

“I wanted to have a part of my collection defer from the human form, because it's meant to be this coming together of these two species.”

christopher markquart

designer of "the dressage habit," parsons school of design graduate

Michelle recalls the months leading up to The Dressage Habit's appearance on the runway, where – alongside Christopher, his professors and classmates – they ideated together how the at-times-abstract concept of dressage could translate into clothing.

“I got a little peek into how his mind works through that process of creation between his initial drawings and seeing the fabrics and the pieces that he started with,” Michelle said. “Spending time in the sewing rooms, I learned so much about the leather work on top of the creation of bringing these things to life.”

Both Christopher and Michelle noted while the sport of dressage may not be as apparent in the Chippewa Valley, compared to other equestrian activities, there remains a small collection of locals who continue to practice and instill values of the sport to new generations.

Pants from "Look 02" in The Dressage Habit, pictured above. Each garment features a blend of the dressage uniform and equine anatomical references. (Photo by Eliza Porter Photography)

Sketches and imagery from Markquart's process journal for The Dressage Habit, pictured above. Here, Markquart has chosen to mimic the hock of a horse's hind leg in the black pants for "Look 02." (Submitted photo)

"I felt really strongly about wanting to kind of recreate this prairie like setting in the studio, because my (father's) farm out in Elk Mound has this big prairie that's right in the front of the property," Markquart said. "(Eliza) was able to get some; she packed them up and she flew those grasses out with her for the shoot in New York City." (Photo by Eliza Porter Photography)

In many ways, through visual design and storytelling via fabric and thread, The Dressage Habit maintains this dialogue between viewers of different identities and the equestrian world.

“Dressage is a very white-centric, patriarchal sport – this arguably goes against a lot of things I believe in. Equestrian (riding) can be quite particular on who they really see in this sport,” Christopher said.

“I wanted to transform that space into something that I feel like I could invite my really like diverse friends into and make (dressage) a space that they would want to participate in.”

Since Christopher’s showcase of The Dressage Habit at the Parsons 2026 BFA runway, the collection has now been shared and seen through Vogue and Women’s Wear Daily – two internationally-acclaimed fashion publications which reported on the student showcase. 

With global stylists and designers now seeking out Christopher’s pieces for celebrity appearances, this young creative – with Eau Claire roots – looks to transform fashion spaces through designs centered on nostalgia and inclusivity.

Markquart designed a matching jacket and pants, as shown above, that mirror silhouettes seen in traditional horse riding uniforms. (Photo by Eliza Porter Photography)

Additional imagery from Markquart's process journal for The Dressage Habit, pictured above. Here, images of historic dressage riders and Markquart's own childhood are paired together to demonstrate variants of the "show uniform." (Submitted photo)

The back of "Look 04" for The Dressage Habit, pictured above. (Photo by Eliza Porter Photography)

The side of "Look 04" for The Dressage Habit, pictured above. (Photo by Eliza Porter Photography)

To view clothing pieces in Christopher Markquart’s “The Dressage Habit,” visit christopherallyn.com/portfolio. Keep up with Christopher and his fashion design ventures via social media (@christopher.allyn).